Pages

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

If I’m still adding to my summer reading in October then you know it’s been busy around here. Crazy town! But, I’m doing the best I can and following-up with some of the last books I read this summer before the semester started. (For the other summer recaps see here and here).

99 Problems But A Baby Ain’t One by Megan Silianoff- I started following Megan’s blog last year and finally got to meet her at the Houston Blogger Symposium last September. When I heard that she was coming out with a book you better believe that I preordered that baby. I love the way this book was formatted: similar to a blog, and a total page turner. To say I loved this book would be an understatement. Following Megan’s story is anything but sad. One might normally think that certain struggles in life, like cancer, would be super Debbie Downers, and yea, they totally are; but, to hear/read her perspective on life and challenges is not only hilarious, but inspiring. Megan reveals her deep thoughts as she copes through each struggle and is so genuine and authentic; that raw emotion is such a breath of fresh air. By the end of the book I started to ration off the “chapters” because I didn’t want the story to end; I wasn’t ready for it to be over. If you live in Houston or Chicago, you’re a blogger, woman, cancer patient/survivor, mom, or Jay-Z fan, you definitely need to read this STAT!

From the back cover:

Megan Silianoff, 28, is the girl next door assuming you live in downtown Chicago. Megan is a recruiter at a staffing firm and recently married to, Danny, who was technically a client. Oops. She shops at Urban Outfitters, gets together with college friends for book club, and watches a lot of Rachel on TV. (Rachel Zoe, Rachel Bilson, Rachel Green.) In fall of 2010 Megan goes into routine surgery for a cyst on her ovary and wakes up to learn she has ovarian cancer - possibly breast cancer too. Horrified by the way friends and family fell apart upon hearing the news; Megan innately realizes she has to keep it together for their benefit. She starts a blog about her ongoing prognosis but writes in a very irreverent, flippant, casual, and hilarious manner. Upon beating her first round of cancer, Megan and her husband move to Houston, Texas where they began pursuing domestic adoption. Though they are considered a family in waiting for almost two years, the adoption itself goes full circle in five days from meeting the birthparent, to witnessing the baby be born, to naming her after Megan s favorite rapper, Jay Z. 99 Problems but a Baby Ain't One is a fun and entertaining memoir despite traditionally somber subjects like cancer and adoption. You'll probably cry when you read it but only because you're laughing so hard.

Sparky Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle- I’m pretty sure my bestie, Joy, recommended this memoir to me, and she certainly does know me. Melanie (even though we’ve never met, I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t mind me addressing her by her first name because she’s cool like that), shares her story on the story of motherhood with all the mommy wars and puke that comes with it. She is a fabulous story-teller and makes you feel like your best friends sharing issues (good and bad) from the day. Her love for her daughter is unquestionable and beautiful. Mommies out there you’ve got to read this!

From the back cover:

“There is really no better indicator you’re a mother than acquiring the ability to catch throw-up in a plastic bag, disinfect your hands, and immediately ask your friend to pass the beef jerky as you put on another Taylor Swift song and act as if nothing has happened.” This is the type of insight Melanie Shankle offers in this quirky memoir of motherhood. Written in the familiar, stream-of-consciousness style of her blog, Big Mama, Sparkly Green Earrings is a heartwarming and hilarious look at motherhood from someone who is still trying to figure it all out. Filled with personal stories—from the decision to become a mother to the heartbreak of miscarriage and ultimately, to the joy of raising a baby and living to tell about it—Sparkly Green Earrings will make you feel like you’re sitting across the table from your best friend. A must-read for anyone who’s ever had a child or even thought about it.